Cheryl Harris, president of Napa-Solano Audubon, recently received a Real Hero of Napa County Environment Award for her work by the local Red Cross. Although Harris’s work on behalf of birds and the environment is extensive, the Red Cross chose to particularly highlight a project she is leading on behalf of her chapter to restore bird habitat on local vineyards, and for educating the community on the benefits of restoration in agricultural areas. (photo by Rich Pompetti)

Napa-Solano Audubon launched the project in the last year in partnership with Katey Taylor, viticulturist for Icon Estates, a local winery. The goal is to help agricultural landowners and others take significant conservation steps on their lands. Measures include planning the installation of diverse native vegetation as hedge rows and around ponds; establishing wildlife corridors; removing invasive species; and installing nest boxes and floating nest platforms.

Nearly 30% of Napa County and 66% of Solano County land areas are dedicated to agricultural production. Agricultural lands are often overlooked for restoration opportunities, yet can potentially provide opportunity for restoration of woodland, riparian and grassland habitats. Improving plant diversity can help wildlife, reduce invasive, exotic plants, attract beneficial insects, and increase the overall environmental health and biodiversity of an agricultural area.

This project helps promote wide-scale habitat restoration, by making information and resources about local native plant species and bird populations more readily available to land owners. This educational and information sharing, will help identify current and potential bird species and habitat improvement possibilities. In addition, workshops and field demonstrations will provide a hands-on approach and grower-to-grower sharing of information.